Gastrointestinal bug closes units at Bridgewater hospital

BRIDGEWATER – The medical and surgical unit at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater has been temporarily closed to visitors due to a gastrointestinal infection circulating among patients.

South Shore Health announced the visitor restriction Wednesday morning, and said it will remain in place until further notice.

Spokeswoman Theresa Hawkesworth said in a news release some exceptions may apply for immediate family of critically ill patients.

All outpatient hospital services are still available.

Hawkesworth said the authority is asking visitors to wash their hands when they enter and leave the hospital and before visiting patients. She said regular and thorough hand washing can help prevent the spread of the illness.